‘All Things Occupational Therapy’ is topic of Penn State Mont Alto colloquy

Penn State Mont Alto will launch its spring 2016 Colloquy Series on Feb. 10 with the first of three events when Angela Hissong, Penn State Mont Alto’s Occupational Therapy Program director presents “Engaging Mind, Body, and Spirit in Meaningful Occupations.” All colloquy events begin at 2 p.m. in the University Library. They are open to the public and free of charge. Coffee is provided and discussion is encouraged.

The Colloquy Series presents current research by Mont Alto faculty in an informal environment at a level that is accessible to a general audience. Other upcoming presentations include Kira Hamman, instructor in mathematics, on the topic of “Mathematics and Social Justice,” on March 16; and James Donovan, associate professor of history, will present “History and Hysteria,” on April 13.

“The goal of occupational therapy practitioners is to bring individuals, people, and communities to their utmost level of independence via engagement in meaningful occupations,” according to Hissong.

“My journey as an occupational therapy practitioner and educator has taken me down many paths of this intentional relationship. Come sit with me for a few moments and we will explore all things occupational therapy.”

Hissong has practiced as an occupational therapist for over 25 years. As a community-based occupational therapist, her passion is in working with women in rural areas, children with exceptional needs, and farmers with disabilities to enhance their health and well-being through participation in meaningful occupations.

Hissong is a widely published author and presenter. In 2015, she co-authored “Research for the Health Professional,” a book that explains the hows and whys of conducting and writing a research project. She earned her doctorate degree in Adult Education with an emphasis on women’s health and well-being from Penn State. She also holds a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy from the Medical College of Virginia and has earned a baccalaureate degree in biology focusing on health sciences and a master’s degree in special education from Shippensburg University.

The Penn State Mont Alto occupational therapy program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association. More about the Penn State Mont Alto OTA program can be found at www.montalto.psu.edu/ota.